Remote monitoring of a deep-sea marine protected area: The Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents
Date
2019
Authors
Juniper, S. Kim
Thornborough, Kate
Douglas, Karen
Hillier, Joy
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Aquatic Conservation: Marine & Freshwater Ecosystems
Abstract
1. Deep‐sea marine protected areas (MPAs) present particular challenges for management. Their remote location means there is limited knowledge of species and habitat
distribution, and rates and scales of change. Yet, evaluating the attainment of conservation objectives and managing the impact of human activities both require a quantitative understanding of natural variability in species composition/abundance and
habitat conditions.
2. Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada are collaborating in
the development of remote monitoring tools for the Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents
MPA in the north‐east Pacific. This 98.5 km2 MPA, located 250 km offshore Vancouver Island, encompasses five major fields of hydrothermal vents, at depths of 2200–
2400 m. A real‐time cabled observatory was installed at the Endeavour site in 2010.
3. Scientific research for the conservation, protection and understanding of the area is
permitted within the MPA and is the primary activity impacting the area. Research
activities require the use of submersibles for sampling, surveying and observatory
infrastructure maintenance. Data and imagery from remotely operated vehicle
dives and fixed subsea observatory sensors are archived in real time using ONC's
Oceans 2.0 software system, enabling evaluation of the spatial footprint of
research activity in the MPA and the baseline level of natural ecosystem change.
4. Recent examples of database queries that support MPA management include: (1)
using ESRI ArcGIS spatial analysis tools to create kernel density ‘heat maps’ to quantify
the intensity of sampling and survey activity within the MPA; and (2) quantifying high‐
frequency variability in vent fauna and habitat using sensor and fixed camera data.
5. Collaboration between researchers and MPA managers can help mitigate the
logistical challenges of monitoring remote MPAs. Recognition at the policy level
of the importance of such partnerships could facilitate the extension of scientific
missions to support more formal monitoring programmes.
Description
Keywords
cabled observatory, deep-sea, hydrothermal vents, kernel density, marine protected areas, monitoring
Citation
Juniper, S. K., Thornborough, K., Douglas, K., & Hillier, J. (2019). Remote monitoring of a deep-sea marine protected area: The Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 29(S2), 84-102. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.3020.